Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Climate and Sustainability Specialist and the Corporate Manager for Finance, Property and Climate Change.

The Environment PDG has RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet the adoption of the attached guidance for officers and Members regarding climate and sustainability statements. This guidance relates to business cases and committee reports. Guidance was developed in consultation with the Net Zero Advisory Group and Corporate Managers and should now be used and maintained to help shape decisions and delivery in line with policy and statutory obligations. 

Cabinet had before it a report * providing an update on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the wider Climate and Sustainability Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change stated that the guidance, if adopted, would aid the Council in making well informed decisions and in moving towards its Net Zero targets.

Consideration was given to:

·       Officers across the Council needing to be fully aware of the impact of their service areas on the Climate Change agenda.

·       The guidance would further embed the need for this awareness and provide vital information to new and existing officers.

·       The good work undertaken by the Policy Development Group when making this recommendation.

·       The State of the District Debate would provide an important opportunity to work with Town and Parish Councils to strengthen knowledge and working practices in this area.

·       Mid Devon already employed a Climate Change Specialist and was one of the leading Councils in the South West regarding this issue.

RESOLVED that:

The report be accepted as an update on the Council’s response to the Climate Emergency, documenting progress with the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the wider Climate and Sustainability Programme.

The guidance for officers and Members regarding climate and sustainability statements be adopted. This guidance relates to business cases and committee reports. Guidance was developed in consultation with the Net Zero Advisory Group and Corporate Managers and should now be used and maintained to help shape decisions and delivery in line with policy and statutory obligations. 

(Proposed by Cllr N Bradshaw and seconded by Cllr J Wright)

Reason for the decision

Progress on Performance Indicators (PI) provided separately by Performance and Risk Reports. There are 2 main risks (to the Council): 1) that the Council does not take sufficient actions to enable it to meet its Climate Emergency declaration ambitions; and 2) that the financial implications of Climate Change are not adequately measured and reflected in the Council’s decision making.

Note: * Report previously circulated.